Guess what is now available….Amazon Kindle 2. Yup, Amazon just released the new version of their Kindle and I’m starting to get more pointed looks from a certain hubby of mine that I really need to get one.
I’m still not completely sold on e-readers, they just don’t have the same feel as sitting down and curling up with a good ole’ fashion novel, but it is the way of the future. More and more people will be able to get published simply by offering their books in an electronic format. I know I’ve been getting a lot of request for reviews of e-books.
So I’m taking another look at this Kindle. The newer version has a lot more storage space – we’re talking about 1500 books worth of storage space. That would be kind of nice since I currently own 400+ books and they are a pain to move. It also has a longer battery life, which is essential since I wouldn’t want the Kindle to die just as I get to a good part in the book. I’m not sure if I’m crazy about the “faster page turns” option, but I can see how that goes both ways – I want to read more, move faster vs. wanting to let the anticipation build. Something that is kind of nice is the new “read to me” feature that allows the Kindle to read to you. I’ve read a few audiobooks and they are nice in the car, but it’s a pain to have to continually switch out the CDs. If the Kindle is also going to start having audiobook capabilities to it, than that would be kind of sweet.
The Kindle 2 still has all the features of the original one – the convenience of reading when and what you want, the wireless access to Amazon (and to others? I’m not sure), and the slim magazine like size. Plus the Kindle Store has over 230,000 ebooks available. That is pretty impressive.
The price is still a little steep at $359 and that’s one of the main reason why I don’t have one yet. Jesse is very much the “oh shiny new toy, I want” type of guy and he’s been really checking the Kindles out. He keeps telling me I need a “donate please” button in the sidebar, but yeah, I’m not doing that. However, I will encourage everyone to purchase their books and other interests through LE’s Amazon store. Since I am getting paid in gift cards (and thus contributing to my book addiction), I figure I might as well start saving them up for a new Kindle 2.
The price is steep, but they look so awesome, although I’ve heard the read-to-me option has a flat voice, not like a human reader would sound. One of the few things I love about my car (have I mentioned it nearly didn’t start last night?) is that it has an mp3 reader, so one book fits on one CD–that I love. Maybe Kindle 1 will start showing up on E-bay, you never know!
I’ve heard that the Kindle 1 has been popping up for about $100 cheaper in various places, but I haven’t seen it yet.
Although, there is this: Kindle 1 on Amazon – 49 used & new available from $258.00
The problem is I don’t think they are being released in Europe which is rubbish. I have a sony ereader which I love. I do prefer real books, but the house is getting so cluttered and full of books it’s time to switch over I think. I wish that you could put the Kindle books on other types of reader.
They look awesome and I’ve been dying to get one but at that price I’ll have to stick to real books for now. Maybe Amazon will drop the price one of these days…we can only hope!